I know that many, many, many other people do this, and have done this before me.
I know that it's actually not that scary. But, as most new things in life first appear, it sure seemed scary.
Finally, I got up the nerve last night to try a Dexcom sensor on my arm!
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| Awkward bathroom mirror photography! Seeing so many CGM arm sites at CWD/FFL two weeks ago had me thinking that yeah, I could probably at least try it. Because I'm a visual person who needed to see photographic evidence first, I googled "Dexcom arm site", and Kerri's post from almost exactly three years ago, along with a helpful photo, showed at the top of the list. (P.S. I have no idea why this paragraph decided to center itself, and I can't seem to fix it at the moment. Oh, Blogger. You fickle beast. /digression)
Aaron was home, but I wanted to see if I could manage it on my own. "Could you just hang around for the next couple minutes, in case I need to you to unhinge this thing from me?"
"Of course."
And all went smoothly. I wiped down the area with an Skin Prep pad (probably unnecessary, but old habits die hard), waved it dry, and planned my attack.
And, really? Not as difficult as my mind had made it out to be.
Out of all of the steps, that last tab you have to twist off was the most troublesome. (I had to have Aaron try after I failed to dislodge it, and he almost yanked the whole sensor clean off!) You know, this little thing:
As for accuracy, or how it may interfere with sleeves, door frames, puppy paws and the like - that remains to be seen. But I do know that I can check one more thing off of my "To Try" list, and that makes me feel good.
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You just told yourself, "I CAN do this!" and you did! :)
ReplyDeleteI know it is a big deal. Even if all the other kids are doing it, doing something new is ALWAYS a big deal. Congratulations!
WAHOO!!!! Hi Five, Sista! You're rockin' the arm Dex :) So proud of YOU!
ReplyDeleteAnd...to remind you that you aren't alone, I just want to share this with you...
http://www.candyheartsblog.com/2011/04/dexcom-1st-grader.html
'Cuz every brave girl deserves some love!
I can’t wait to show this to Sarah. She has a love/hate relationship with putting her Dexcom sensor on her arm. She is annoyed at the attention it brings, but won’t let me put it anywhere else (she’s had it on her tummy twice and didn’t like it). Go figure… I prefer the arm because we get far more accurate readings for some reason.
ReplyDeleteI'm still on week 2 but - really want to try the arm with my next sensor.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Kim! I too hesitated before trying out an arm site a while back, even though I KNEW others had done it and it was possible. Can't do myself, though... that's the only spot where Suzi actually inserts it and the only spot I use the insertion device rather than doing a manual site insert. But rock on, for making that step!
ReplyDeleteWay to go!! Bean loves her arms for her pod and we had great success with the first Dex sensor on her arm, the tummy one crapped out after three days and we're back to the other arm!
ReplyDeleteAs with anything new it takes a lot of courage and some getting used to! Good for you!!!
oh i LOVE meri's comment!!
ReplyDeleteyou ROCKED it. WHOO!
OMG this is awesome!!!! I love the arm sites, but haven't ever been able to do them on my own. (I have put on in other people's arms, though. During breakfast at a conference. Poor Manny.) :)
ReplyDeleteYay, you! Excellent! I love the arm site for both Dex and Ping. Sometimes I get myself into some little situations doing them myself, but mostly they turn out okay. Once in a while Anne has to come save me (usually from the sticky getting stuck to itself or some such). Anyhoo, great job K! Rock that arm site! Wheeeeeee! ;)
ReplyDeleteWow! I still can't figure out how you do it my yourself. I have trouble with that tabby thing with 2 hands, so can appreciate it being troublesome with 1! Congrats! So glad to hear about another anxiety conquered!
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